Recently, social media users have uncovered a controversial use of Google's new Gemini AI model: the removal of watermarks from images, including those from Getty Images and other prominent stock photo libraries.
Last week, Google expanded access to the image generation capabilities of the Gemini 2.0 Flash model, allowing the model to natively generate and edit image content. This is undoubtedly a powerful feature, but it seems to lack certain limitations. Gemini 2.0 Flash can seamlessly generate images of celebrities and copyrighted characters, and, as mentioned, it can also remove watermarks from existing photos.
Some users on X and Reddit pointed out that Gemini 2.0 Flash not only removes watermarks but also attempts to fill in the resulting blank spaces. Other AI-powered tools also have this function, but Gemini 2.0 Flash appears to be particularly adept at it, and it's free.
It's important to note that the image generation feature of Gemini 2.0 Flash is labeled "experimental" and "not suitable for production," and is only available in Google developer tools like AI Studio. The model isn't a perfect watermark removal tool either. Gemini 2.0 Flash seems to struggle with some semi-transparent watermarks and those that cover a large portion of the image.
Even so, copyright holders are sure to question the lack of usage restrictions in Gemini 2.0 Flash. Models like Anthropic's Claude 3.7 Sonnet and OpenAI's GPT-4 explicitly refuse watermark removal, with Claude stating that removing watermarks without the image owner's consent is "unethical and potentially illegal." Under US copyright law, removing watermarks without consent is illegal in most cases.
Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside of business hours.
**Key Points:**
- 🚫Gemini 2.0 Flash can remove image watermarks, sparking controversy, despite its shortcomings, it's still attracting attention.
- 💬Other models like Claude 3.7 Sonnet and GPT-4 refuse watermark removal, deeming it unethical and potentially illegal.
- ⚖️Under US copyright law, removing watermarks without consent is illegal in most cases; Google has not responded to inquiries.